Integrating Cameras into the PIERRE Smart Home System
In the PIERRE System, integrating cameras provides users with the ability to monitor their environment by streaming live video directly through the PIERRE App. The system supports both digital and analog cameras, ensuring compatibility with various setups.
Supported Camera Types:
- Digital Cameras: The live feed is streamed directly through the PIERRE app, allowing users to view real-time footage seamlessly.
- Analog Cameras: For analog cameras connected via an NVR (Network Video Recorder), the PIERRE System retrieves the video stream, enabling users to manage older camera systems through the app.
This flexibility allows for comprehensive video monitoring by incorporating both modern and legacy systems into the PIERRE ecosystem.
NVR Camera Integration Guide
Accessing NVR Settings:
- Open a browser and enter the local IP address of the NVR.
- Log in with your username and password.
- Verify that all cameras are properly connected.
Important Configuration:
Video Encoding: Ensure the video encoding is set to H.264. Different NVR systems may have different menus:
- Hikvision: Go to Configuration > Video/Audio > Video tab.
- Dahua: Go to Setup > Camera > Video and disable H.265 autoswitch, then set encoding to H.264 for each channel.
RTSP Port Configuration:
The RTSP port must be set to 554.
- Hikvision: Configuration > Network > Basic settings > Port tab.
- Dahua: Setup > Network > Connection.
Creating a New User in NVR:
- In the NVR settings, create a new account and set a username and password.
- These credentials will be used in the RTSP stream URL.
- To verify the stream, use VLC player:
- Open VLC, go to Media > Open network stream, and enter the RTSP URL:
- Hikvision: rtsp://username:password@local-ip-or-domain:554/Streaming/Channels/101
- Dahua: rtsp://username:password@local-ip-or-domain:554/live/ch00_0
- Open VLC, go to Media > Open network stream, and enter the RTSP URL:
Troubleshooting Camera Issues in PIERRE
No Video in the PIERRE App:
- If the video works on the NVR but not in the PIERRE app, the issue may be with port forwarding.
- Open the PIERRE Partner app, copy the end of the RTSP URL (after the @ symbol).
- check the port using an online tool: https://Open Port Check Tool
- If the port is closed, reconfigure port forwarding in your router.
Port Forwarding Setup:
- Open a browser and enter your router’s IP address.
- Log in with an administrator account.
- Navigate to Settings > Network > Port forwarding and add a new rule:
- Name: NVR
- Internal Port: 554
- External Port: 554
- Protocol: ALL
- IP Address: Local IP of the NVR.
Note: If you encounter issues with port forwarding due to a double NAT (multiple routers or ISP gateway), this may require contacting your ISP for a static IP address.
DDNS Configuration
For remote access, a static IP or DDNS is required. While a static IP is preferred, DDNS works in most cases.
Setting Up DDNS:
- Go to https://No-IP DDNS and create an account.
- On the left side, go to Dynamic DNS > No-IP Hostnames and create a hostname.
- Enter this hostname in your NVR settings:
- Hikvision: Configuration > Network > Basic Settings > DDNS tab.
- Dahua: Setting > Network > DDNS and enable DDNS. Select No-IP DDNS and enter the hostname, username, and password.
Router DDNS Configuration:
- In your router settings, go to Dynamic DNS and enter the No-IP hostname, username, and password.
After configuration, visit https://Open Port Check Tool and verify that port 554 is open.
Adding Cameras to the PIERRE Partner App
- Open the PIERRE Partner App and go to the Cameras tab.
- Click Add Camera and enter the following details:
- Name: Name of the camera.
- Role: Select the appropriate role.
- URL: Enter the RTSP URL based on your camera type:
- Hikvision Main Stream:
rtsp://username:pass@ip.address-or-domain:554/Streaming/Channels/101 - Hikvision Sub Stream:
rtsp://username:pass@ip.address-or-domain:554/Streaming/Channels/102 - Dahua Main Stream:
rtsp://username:pass@ip.address-or-domain:554/cam/realmonitor?channel=1&subtype=0 - Dahua Sub Stream:
rtsp://username:pass@ip.address-or-domain:554/cam/realmonitor?channel=1&subtype=1
- Hikvision Main Stream:
Hikvision Intercom Setup
- After powering on, the intercom will receive an IP address via DHCP.
- Open the NVR’s camera list and find the intercom’s IP address.
- Open a browser, enter the intercom’s IP address, and log in.
- Assign a fixed IP address in the network settings. Ensure that the SIP status is set to Registered.
- In the NVR’s camera setup, manually add the intercom as a new camera:
- Manufacturer: Custom
- Main Stream: rtsp://intercom.local.ip.address
- Password: Enter the intercom’s password.
How to check is the camera strem live?
Functionality check is to use the VLC player to see if the image (video) comes. VLC player will receive the signal through the DVR device. If the image is obtained, we approach the integration of the camera.
How to put camera public outside from local network?
If it is necessary to receive the signal outside the local network, a port forward to the main router's internal IP address of the camera is required. The public IP address is easily found via google by typing "my IP address".
Is there a playback option in the PIERRE app?
Unfortunately, the playback option is not currently available in the PIERRE app.
How do cameras connect to the Controller?
Cameras are connected to the Pierre system either via NVR (for analog cameras) or through the network (IP cameras). There is no need to run cables directly to the Controller.
Can analog cameras be connected directly to PIERRE?
No, analog cameras must be connected to an NVR, and the video stream from the NVR can then be integrated into the PIERRE app.
Do the cameras need to be connected to the Controller?
Cameras are internet-based devices and cannot be directly connected to the Controller.
Which cameras can be integrated into the system?
Any IP camera that supports the RTSP (Real Time Streaming Protocol) protocol. The camera must be externally accessible, with a static IP address.
What recording options are available for cameras?
The best solution is to use a network video recorder (NVR) system. The cameras connect to this hub.
What cables should be used for camera wiring?
The PIERRE system does not require direct wiring for cameras, as they connect to the NVR system via the internet or the local network. The NVR handles the recording, and the recorded videos can be viewed through the NVR. The Pierre system only integrates live camera feeds.
Should all camera cables go to the control panel (electrical switchboard)?
There is no need for wiring directly to the PIERRE system, as the NVR connects to the cameras via the internet or the local network. The NVR handles the recording, and the recorded videos can be accessed through it. The Pierre system only integrates live camera feeds.
Stream Issues on Android and iOS
- Android devices support hardware-accelerated H.264 encoding.
- If the stream works on an iOS device but not on Android, ensure the encoding is set to H.264, as iOS devices support hardware-accelerated H.265.
DNS Issues
If DNS problems occur, flush the DNS cache or restart the device.
DDNS Update
Log in to No-IP DDNS and check when the hostname was last updated.